The COVID-19 Pandemic: an Appraisal of its Impact on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Pre-Eclampsia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is profound, with distressing consequences on many individuals, especially those with co-morbidities. Pregnant women are one such group of individuals who are at in increased risk of contracting COVID-19, due to their immunocompromised state. In South Africa, HIV infection and pre-eclampsia are the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, with South Africa being the HIV epicentre of the world. The relationship between COVID-19 superimposed on HIV infection and preeclampsia is complex and uncertain due to their different immune responses, and therefore requires further research. RECENT FINDINGS: Notably evidence suggests that pregnant women with chronic comorbidities (HIV and pre-eclampsia) may be at a greater risk of contracting or encountering complications from COVID-19. Maternal stress, during a pandemic, as well as home delivery have become potential options for pregnant woman. Nonetheless there is currently a paucity of information on the combined effect of COVID-19 in HIV-associated preeclampsia. SUMMARY: Understanding the pathogenesis of COVID-19 could potentially aid in developing effective treatment strategies for COVID-19 in HIV associated preeclampsia. This review article presents a comprehensive analysis of the current data in relation to COVID-19 and its effect on pregnant women, including symptoms, pathogenesis and the possible risk of vertical transmission. This paper also reviews its’ interactions and effects on preeclamptic and HIV positive pregnant women with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.